Lentz Hires Campaign Manager

From the inbox:

Representative Bryan R. Lentz took another significant step toward formally launching his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District by announcing that former aide to Congressman Sestak, Congressional Campaign Manager and Capitol Hill Communications Director, Vincent A. Rongione has signed on to manage his campaign.

“We are very pleased to have Vince on the team,” Lentz stated. “He brings a lifetime of experience in Delaware County and an excellent track record both on Capitol Hill and on the campaign trail. As a former Airborne Ranger, prosecutor and current legislator from Delaware County, I am confident that Vince shares my spirit of service and determination to run a strong positive campaign about important issues like creating jobs, cutting middle-class taxes and providing for our seniors and veterans.”
Born and raised in Delaware County, Rongione is a graduate of Haverford High School, Villanova University, Villanova School of Law and a member of the Pennsylvania Bar. His father, Nicholas Rongione, served on the Haverford Township School Board from 1985-1997. Vincent was a part of Joe Sestak’s early campaign team in 2006, where he served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Finance. He also served as Finance Director for Congressman Chris Carney’s 2006 campaign and returned as Campaign Manager for Congressman Carney’s 2008 re-election win. After the 2008 cycle he accepted the position of Director of Communications and Special Projects in Congressman Carney’s Capitol Hill office where he served until joining Lentz for Congress earlier this month.

Rongione is widely regarded as a tenacious fundraiser and skillful political manager. In the past three and a half years, he has raised and managed over $5,000,000 while helping launch Joe Sestak’s campaign and helping navigate Chris Carney to a major upset victory in the highly Republican 10th district of Pennsylvania and a commanding re-election win in 2008 after Carney was widely thought to be one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the country. Rongione turned down multiple offers from campaigns nationwide before joining Lentz for Congress.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be working for a tough independent leader like Bryan and to be able to serve in the place where I grew up,” said Rongione. “Some people work a lifetime in government and never have the opportunity to work in their hometown. That, combined with the chance to join Bryan’s team was an opportunity that I simply could not pass up. I am proud to say that the majority of my family and friends live in this area and I will work hard every day to make sure that all the people of Southeastern Pennsylvania have the leadership they deserve in Congress.”